RICHARD L. FREELAND

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard L. Freeland, who departed this life peacefully on June 21, 2025, surrounded by his favorite girls at Mercy Hospice Center.

Born on March 10, 1942, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Lorraine (nee Watkins) and Sylvester Freeland, Richard–affectionately known as Dick–was a proud graduate of Brilliant High School.

It was at a Friday night football game at Mingo High School where fate stepped in–Dick met the love of his life, Patricia (nee Jordan) Freeland. The two quickly became inseparable, beginning a love story that spanned over six decades. They married on August 24, 1963, and built a beautiful life together, raising three children: Christina (Chris) Deters (nee Freeland), Michele (Mike) Stock (nee Freeland), and the late Jeffrey Freeland.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Dick retired from Ohio Power, where he served as a supervisor at the Cardinal Plant in Brilliant.

Dick had a true zest for life. He enjoyed caring for his dogs, Max and Jake, and spent many happy hours hunting, trapping, and mentoring youth as a 4-H Advisor. He never missed a chance to crack open a Bud Light or Rolling Rock, especially while cheering on his Dallas Cowboys. But his greatest joy in life came from being Poppy to his two granddaughters, Morgan Stock and Alexis (nee Arendt) Johnson, and his beloved great- granddaughter, Emersyn Johnson. Their love brought him endless pride and happiness, and the bond he shared with each of them was deeply cherished.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine (nee Watkins) and Sylvester Freeland; his son, Jeffrey Freeland; his granddaughter, Morgan Stock; his siblings, Bill Freeland and Shirley (nee Freeland) Crawford; and his nephew, Brian Crawford.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; his daughters, Christina (Chris) Deters and Michele (Mike) Stock; his loving sister, Jane (nee Freeland) Jilson; his granddaughter, Alexis (Mike) Johnson; and his great- granddaughter, Emersyn Johnson–all of whom will carry his memory with deep affection.

The Freeland family invites all who knew and loved Richard to join in celebrating his life on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Smithfield Presbyterian Church starting at 1 PM with a memorial service. All are welcome to stay afterward to share stories, memories, and a meal in his honor.

Richard’s legacy of love, strength, and humor lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, Ohio. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreber jones.com